You may have heard of the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Joseph was his dad’s favorite boy but was despised by his brothers. So despised that these brothers sold Joseph as a slave in Egypt.
While in Egypt, Joseph was doing very well for his boss, Potiphar. But Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and Joseph resisted her sexual advances. Incensed, the wife accused Joseph of attempted rape and Potiphar threw him in jail.
What a comedown for Joseph! He had been the favorite son, with visions of grandeur dancing in his head. But now his options were severely narrowed to an Egyptian dungeon.
Todd Lake wrote, “Instead of becoming embittered, [Joseph] was now willing to use his God-given talents to serve others, regardless of how little he gained in return. He was faithful with the small opportunities he had in that dungeon…”
Later, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had two dreams, which Joseph interpreted as a warning sign that a severe famine would befall the land. Joseph recommended that the Egyptians should hoard a massive amount of food to sustain them during this terrible period.
Pharaoh liked Joseph’s interpretation and counsel so much that he immediately appointed Joseph as his second-in-command to oversee the food storage project.
The famine certainly came. It could have devastated not only Egypt but his own family back home, were it not that Joseph used his gifts in the hidden places, among forgotten people, and with no hope of fame or fortune.
How long did it take Joseph between being sold as a slave and reaching the heady pinnacle of success? Thirteen years!
I do not know what is your situation at work. Are you struggling with difficult co-workers, misdirected accusations, down-sized programs, challenging projects and low support? You are not alone.
I doubt Joseph saw his being a slave and prisoner as “Boy, this is a great career move!” Yet he was faithful to the small yet significant responsibilities, even if it was in a place of pain!
Whatever your status, take heart. Give your best gifts now. Excellence builds upon itself and soon, it won’t go unnoticed.
It happened to Joseph. It can happen to us. God willing!
While in Egypt, Joseph was doing very well for his boss, Potiphar. But Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him and Joseph resisted her sexual advances. Incensed, the wife accused Joseph of attempted rape and Potiphar threw him in jail.
What a comedown for Joseph! He had been the favorite son, with visions of grandeur dancing in his head. But now his options were severely narrowed to an Egyptian dungeon.
Todd Lake wrote, “Instead of becoming embittered, [Joseph] was now willing to use his God-given talents to serve others, regardless of how little he gained in return. He was faithful with the small opportunities he had in that dungeon…”
Later, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, had two dreams, which Joseph interpreted as a warning sign that a severe famine would befall the land. Joseph recommended that the Egyptians should hoard a massive amount of food to sustain them during this terrible period.
Pharaoh liked Joseph’s interpretation and counsel so much that he immediately appointed Joseph as his second-in-command to oversee the food storage project.
The famine certainly came. It could have devastated not only Egypt but his own family back home, were it not that Joseph used his gifts in the hidden places, among forgotten people, and with no hope of fame or fortune.
How long did it take Joseph between being sold as a slave and reaching the heady pinnacle of success? Thirteen years!
I do not know what is your situation at work. Are you struggling with difficult co-workers, misdirected accusations, down-sized programs, challenging projects and low support? You are not alone.
I doubt Joseph saw his being a slave and prisoner as “Boy, this is a great career move!” Yet he was faithful to the small yet significant responsibilities, even if it was in a place of pain!
Whatever your status, take heart. Give your best gifts now. Excellence builds upon itself and soon, it won’t go unnoticed.
It happened to Joseph. It can happen to us. God willing!
January 31, 2026
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